Identification tag cord



Oct. 10, 1944, c B. GUDEBROD 2,359,988

IDENTIFICATION TAG CORD Filed May 19, 1943 INVENTOR. C/mezss 5 60055200 Patented Oct. 10, 1944 UNITED STATES .?ATENT OFFICE IDENTIFICATION TAG CORD Charles B. Gudebrod, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application May 19, 1943, Serial No. 487,555

3 Claims.

This invention relates to the identification tags that are universally worn by those in our armed services, and is concerned with the cord on which the tags are strung.

Regulations of all of the various armed services require that each member wear a pair of identification tags, which are strung on a cord that is suspended about the neck of each particular member. When casualties occur, these identification tags serve the purpose of identifying the particular body. In cases of death, one tag remains with the body and the other is returned to the War Department and thence to the family of the deceased. At the present time, these identification tags are strung on a cord which may be of a textile or plastic nature that is inflammable to a high degree. Metal chains have also been employed but are objectionable for being noisy and uncomfortable. It is evident that with the tags attached to the body by an inflammable cord in time of catastrophe, such as in the holocaust created by shelling and bombing, this cord may be burnt and the tags separated from the body with resulting confusion in the identification of bodies.

With this condition in mind, this invention has in view, as its foremost objective, the provision of an identification tag cord which is of a noninflammable character. In carrying out this idea, the invention proposes the use of a cord comprising a core made entirely of spun glass fibres or such fibres in combination with asbestos fibres and perhaps a metal such as copper. This core is tightly encased in a braided sheath.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a cord of the character aforesaid, in which the sheath is made of textile yarn and is impregnated with a non-inflammable dressing to render it fireproof.

The non-inflammable character of spun glass, asbestos, and copper is obvious. However, it is desirable to prevent the glass and other materials of the cord from coming into contact with the skin of the person, because many humans are allergic to the chemical make-up of the glass fibres. A sheath or casing, therefore, becomes necessary, and in accordance with this invention a braided sheath is provided. Obviously, the sheath itself must be of a non-inflammable nature, and this end may be achieved in either one of two main ways. The sheath may be braided from ordinary textile yarns such as: rayon, cotton, silk or nylon, and impregnated with a non-inflammable dressing. As an alternative, the sheath may be braided from yarn including asbestos fibres, which would impart the desired fireproof characteristics.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention, such as arise in connection with carrying out the above noted thoughts in a practical embodiment, will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated, as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention, therefore, comprises an identification tag-cord consisting of a core of spun glass fibres, asbestos, and copper, and which core is tightly enclosed in a non-inflammable sheath.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective showing a pair of identification tags strung on a cord that is made in accordance with the precepts of this invention; and

Figure 2 is another perspective, on a large scale, of a portion of the cord with parts of the sheath broken away to more clearly illustrate the construction. 0

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts, and first more particularly to Figure 2, it will be noted that the identification tag cord of this invention comprises a core referred to generally by the reference character 0, and which core is encased in a sheath, designated S. The core C is made up of a plurality of strands. The number of strands employed may vary, although the invention contemplates using at least two strands, so that they may be wrapped about each other to provide a core that may be snugly enclosed in a cylindrical sheath. In the illustrated embodiment, the core C is made up of 3 strands designated I'll, II and I2. The strands I0 and II are substantial duplicates, and each is made up of spun glass and asbestos fibres that are twisted together to form yarn. The strand represented at I 2 may be of any preferred metal, such as copper. The strands H), II and I2 are wrapped about each other in the manner depicted to provide a core, the cross section of which is substantially circular.

The sheath s is preferably braided about the core C. This sheath may be made from any appropriate textile yarn, such as: rayon, cotton,

silk or nylon, and when made from any ordinary yarn, the sheath, after braiding, or the yarn from which it is made before braiding, is impregnated with a fireproof dressing which renders it of a non-inflammable character. While there are many dressings which may be employed to fireproof the sheath, sodium silicate is cited by way of example.

As an alternative to impregnating the sheath S with the dressing rendering it non-inflammable, the invention contemplates an arrangement in which the sheath S is braided from yarn including asbestos fibres. The latter have the obvious effect of rendering the sheath of a fireproof nature.

Referring now more particularly to Figure l, a pair of identification tags, designated T, are shown as formed with the usual openings [3 through which the cord, illustrated Figure 2, and above described, is threaded. The entire cord is designated L, and is shown as formed'into a loop whereby it is adapted to be suspended from the neck of the wearer.

It is evident that a non-inflammable cord might beprovided by merely using the yarn made from spun glass fibres and asbestos. However, as many humans are allergic to glass,.it. is important to prevent the glass from contacting the skin of the body. Inasmuch as these identification tags are worn beneath the clothing, the cord must contact the body and the sheath becomes necessary.

Whilea preferred specific embodiment of the invention is hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions illustrated and described, because various modifications oil these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice, within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An identification tag cord of the character described comprising a core made up of a p u rality of strands of spun glass and asbestos fibres together with a metallic strand with the several strands twisted together, and a braided sheath tightly enclosing said core, said sheath being made from textile yarn and impregnated with a fireproof dressing.

2. An identification tag cord of the character described comprising a core made up of a plurality of strands of spun glass and asbestos together with a copper strand with the several strands twisted together, and a braided sheath tightly enclosing said core, said sheath being made from textile yarn and impregnated with a fireproof dressing.

3; An identification tag cord of the character described comprising a core of spun glass and asbestos fibres and a copper strand, and a sheath enclosing said core, said sheath being of a noninflammable character.

CHARLES B. GUDEBROD. 

